Arundel Court Primary Academy 'committed' to improving following 'fair' Ofsted which highlighted areas in need of attention
A primary school has said it is dedicated to improve
Leadership at a primary school has said they are committed to making improvements following a ‘fair’ Ofsted inspection which highlighted areas in ‘need of attention’.
An Ofsted inspection took place at Arundel Court Primary Academy, in Fyning Street, Portsmouth, on April 14 which found the school is currently working at the expected standard for its behaviour and attendance, with the report saying ‘it’s a high priority’.
The published findings also showed the school needs to focus on achievement, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development.
It said: “Pupils experience a broad curriculum across all key stages and enjoy their learning. However, pupils experience inconsistencies in teaching. This means that pupils do not achieve as well as they should and are below national outcomes.
Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum that builds on existing knowledge in a logical order, but how well pupils understand the information is “not routinely identified”. Leaders have identified areas of improvement and changes are currently underway, with a focus on writing to help students across all subjects.
Ruth Worswick, headteacher at Arundel Court Primary Academy, said: “We welcome the publication of our recent Ofsted report, which we feel gives a fair reflection of Arundel Court, including the strengths of our academy and the areas where further improvement is needed. During the inspection, inspectors praised our pupils’ behaviour and attitudes to learning, as well as the meaningful relationships they have with staff. We are particularly proud that pupils told inspectors they feel safe and are confident that adults in the academy will help them if they need support.
“We recognise that there is still more to do, and we are committed to achieving the highest standards for all our children. Being part of University of Chichester Academy Trust means we can continue to work closely with colleagues across other academies, sharing expertise and learning from strong practice. We will build on the positive culture recognised in the report while continuing to strengthen the quality of education for every child at Arundel Court.”
The inspector noted that children with additional needs are identified quickly and appropriate measures and interventions are put in place to support students. In-class adaptations are bespoke and made on an individual basis so all children have access to the same learning tools.
The report continued: “Leaders are taking appropriate action in the right areas; however, it is not leading to rapid enough improvement in all areas. Leaders have a clear understanding of the school's strengths and what needs to improve. There is evidence that this is starting to have an impact, notably on the behaviour and attendance of pupils.”
The curriculum on personal development is new and has been well-designed, but due to the early stages of this the impact are not visible yet. As part of the new model, children will learn age-appropriate information about relationships, health and sex education, as well as staying safe online and in the community.
Ms Worswick added: “The report highlights safeguarding as a strength, confirming that there is a strong culture across the academy where everyone takes responsibility for keeping children safe. Our pastoral care was also recognised as a key strength, alongside our provision for pupils with SEND. Inspectors noted that pupils are well supported and able to make progress from their starting points. We are also pleased that the work we have done to improve attendance is having a positive impact, with rates now broadly in line with national averages.
“Importantly, Ofsted recognised that leaders know and understand the academy well and are taking appropriate action in the right areas to secure further improvement.”